It is undeniably true that the best way to explore a country is on foot! Whether it is vanquishing your fear of mountains or passing through a remote village or getting lost in the jungle, hiking is one of the most sought-after activities for tourists. You may feel like a bonafide explorer such as Andrew Skurka or Jennifer Pharr Davis. You might have known that hiking is the best way to vent out all the energies you have in. Here is a list of 10 countries where hiking is totally worth it!

Australia – Bay of Fires – Discover the endless beaches of white sand, boulders covered in blood red lichen, and alongside turquoise water. The best time to visit and for hiking is from October to May. Bay of Fires was recently named the hottest destination by ‘Lonely Planet’. Be mesmerized by the wealth of local wildlife to see on a self-guided hikes.

Canada – Tonquin Valley – This amazing scenery and landscape is worth the experience and effort to get into the valley. Tonquin Valley is home to some of the most stunning sceneries in all of south-west Canada. Surrounding the theatrical Ramparts mountain range, the beautiful Amethyst Lakes, and the breath-taking Eremite Valley, Tonquin Valley is not to be missed at all. 2 to 4 days are enough to cover the majority of the area, therefore you have more time to explore the area in greater detail.

Peru – Inca Trail – One of the most popular hikes in the world, Inca Trail takes you through 26 miles of grueling inclines and declines. Get a chance to explore ruins, jungle, and beautiful mountain scenery, and of course end the hike at Machu Picchu. The best times to visit are from May to September. At the end of the trail, you can proudly say that you have conquered Machu Picchu.

Tanzania – Kilimanjro – Africa’s highest peak and still on most people’s bucket list, Kilimanjro is the best place for hiking in groups. There are six official routes on which one can complete a Mount Kilimanjro hike. It take more than seven days to complete the hike and the best time to visit are in January, February or September. Most hikes are guided and worth it as it ends with a spectacular view above the clouds.

Nepal – Everest Base Camp Trek – Everest Base Camp Trek is now becoming one of most favorite hiking spots for hike-lovers. Be astounded by the most spectacular mountain scenery and marvelous temples. It take in total 16 days to hike the Everest Base Camp. Be ready to get face-to-face with the highest point on Earth. You can visit Nepal from March to May and September to November.

Bhutan – Snowman Trek – This trek takes more than 30 days to complete and is considered as one of the hardest trails on the planet. There are many people who are unable to finish it because of its unpredictable weather. Be mesmerized by Bhutan’s pristine landscape, wonderful people and fascinating Buddhist culture. You can opt for guided tours to facilitate your trek. Even if it is one of the most difficult trails, the scenery, flora, and fauna are totally worth it.

USA – Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim Hike – Having Grand Canyon in a hiker’s bucket list is nothing surprising! You can have an in-depth look of Earth’s greatest features while appreciating its vastness physically, the views and scenery by being there up close. It takes 4 to 6 days to explore the Grand Canyon. The best times to visit are from March to May and September to November. The Grand Canyon is an easy trail and can be undertaken by kids and elderly person also.

New Zealand – Routeburn Track – With soaring mountain peaks, huge valleys, waterfalls and jewel-like lakes, Routeburn Track has some of the biggest and spectacular sceneries! Routeburn Track gives you a chance to see equally the view with few people. It takes 2 to 4 days to complete the trail and the best time to visit is from November to April. Routeburn Track is also a bird sanctuary where native birds, such as robins, bellbirds, fantails and wood pigeon, are usually seen. Though there is a shorter distance to walk, the scenery is worth everything!

Iceland – Laugavegurinn/ Fimmvörđuháls Pass – The best time to visit this gem is from June to September and it takes four days to complete the trail. Walk through the volcanic landscapes, lichen-covered rocks, and amazing views of rhyolite peaks, Laugavegurinn is one hike that is not to be missed by passionate hikers. It is true that Iceland is the hikers’ paradise. National Geographic has voted the Fimmvörđuháls Pass as one of the world’s best hikes. If you want big, then this is one of the most epic hikes in Iceland, the tiny strip of land that sits between two glaciers are just wow.

France, Italy, and Switzerland – Tour du Mont Blanc – The highest peak in Western Europe, Mont Blanc sets out to be an incredible 10-days circuit linking these three Alpine countries where you can explore the famed mountain range that has beckoned climbers for centuries. The best times to visit it is anytime from July to mid-September.

So when are you packing your trekking shoes? If I have missed some other country, feel free to share!